Sri Lanka accountability project INTERN

Support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission regarding human rights in Sri Lanka.

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OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline 9 months ago: Monday 24 Nov 2025 at 04:59 UTC

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Overview

Support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission regarding human rights in Sri Lanka.

You have:

  • Graduate or enrolled in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent).
  • Fluency in English is required, knowledge of Tamil or Sinhala is an advantage.
  • Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations.
  • Ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

Geneva

Expected duration

3 to 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general guidance of the Head of OSLap, the intern will work in coordination with different members of the Project, as required. For additional information about OSLap, kindly visit https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/sri-lanka-accountability/index This internship is a non-renumerated and a full-time engagement that provides a framework through which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations by way of their service within Secretariat entities. Applicants should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs - which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Applicants should indicate their present matriculation status and period of availability in the application cover letter. RESPONSIBILITIES: The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. Daily responsibilities of the Sri Lanka Accountability project INTERN will depend on the individual's background and duties and may include but would not be limited to assisting with tasks relating to: • Conduct desk research on existing national and international accountability frameworks as applicable to Sri Lanka, in particular on enforced disappearances. • Gather and summarize information from UN agencies, NGOs, and academic publications related to accountability in Sri Lanka. • Assist in maintaining an up-to-date repository of resources, reports, and research materials related to human rights violations in Sri Lanka. • Support the planning and coordination of events and other activities carried out by OSLap. • Catalogue information and analyse data. • Research and analyse open-source materials. • Help research specific areas of core international crimes. • Perform other related duties requested by the supervisor, as appropriate.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must, at the time of submission, be a graduate or enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or, be a graduate or enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree) preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field, OR have graduated with a university degree as defined above AND, if selected, must commence the internship on the date specified in the Acceptance letter. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience to participate in the programme.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Tamil or Sinhala would be an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time you worked successfully in a multicultural team? This question assesses your cultural awareness and ability to collaborate with diverse groups. Provide a specific example focusing on effective communication and adaptability.
How do you handle working under tight deadlines? Interviewers want to gauge your time management and stress-handling skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What interests you most about working at the United Nations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a research project you have undertaken. What was your process? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges do you foresee in working on human rights issues in Sri Lanka? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of handling differing opinions in a team setting? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What skills do you think are essential for this internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you would organize a research project on accountability frameworks. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 9 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: careers.un.org